The king had already left, but I was still standing there like a coconut tree. I couldn't even move my body.
I know the king kissed me on the lips already. But this time, I didn't drink alcohol. I was wide awake, and my mind was perfectly fine. Why was the king so clingy today? I put my hand on my forehead. I could still feel his lips there.
I shook my head. This was not the time to think about it. I should focus on my mission and then return home.
"I-jun?"
I looked at the person who called me.
"Min Yun," I said in a happy voice. He was standing at the door.
"Why are you standing there?"
"Huh? Ah... I was waiting for you," I lied.
"I saw the king leave your chamber. Did he do something?"
"Huh?" I could feel my cheeks turning red.
He sighed. "I guess he won again this time," he said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Nothing. Don't mind me. Let's go."
"Ah, yes. Wait, I'll just change my clothes." I couldn't go out wearing the queen's dress. It would attract too much attention.
Min Yun waited for me outside. As I went out, the servants looked at me and told me to take care. So Min Yun had already explained it to them—at least I wouldn't have to lie just to leave.
"Did you stay in your office?" I asked Min Yun when we had already exited the palace gates.
"Yes, I conducted a meeting with the palace soldiers and guards."
I nodded.
"How about you? How was your work with the king?"
"I was entertained earlier. The performers executed their performance perfectly."
"They're professional performers, that's why."
I nodded.
"Have you eaten dinner?" I asked.
"I haven't. How about you?"
"I refused the king's invitation for an afternoon snack, that's why my tummy is growling already."
"Let's eat first."
We went to the nearest restaurant and ordered food and drinks right away. I looked up at the sky—it was getting darker.
"How is it, being the queen?" Min Yun asked out of nowhere.
"I'm still trying to fulfill my duties as queen," I answered.
"What if the king forcefully asks you to conceive?"
I looked into Min Yun's eyes, trying to read his thoughts.
"What do you mean?"
"We both know this act won't last forever. Time will come when people will demand an heir to the throne."
I didn't respond. I knew it would happen, but I wanted to make sure I was already back in my world before it did.
"Just tell me if you want to stop."
"Why are you telling me this now?"
"I don't want you to use your body just to help the king."
I gasped at what Min Yun said. I knew he was concerned about me, but I wasn't ready for his bluntness.
"It won't happen," I said, trying to laugh to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
He didn't smile. "I'm just concerned. That's why I said that."
I zipped my lips. Okay, I think Min Yun wasn't in the mood for jokes today.
"Should we forget it for a while and just focus on our task?" I asked, hoping he would agree.
He nodded.
Then our order arrived. Min Yun ordered marinated fish and rice, while I ordered chicken soup and rice. We ate our dinner in silence.
While I was sipping the broth, Min Yun placed a piece of fish in my bowl of rice.
"It tastes good," he said, then continued eating.
"Thank you. Do you like chicken soup? It's tasty too."
He shrugged. "You need it more."
"Hey, I can share mine too. Here." I placed some chicken meat in his bowl. "You need to eat a lot, too. You're getting thinner," I joked.
"Who's talking?" he raised his eyebrows.
"I'm not thin!" I shouted—but not too loudly to attract attention.
"You are," he teased.
I frowned. "You'll see when I get chubbier."
"When will that happen?" he didn't stop teasing me.
"Soon," I replied, then ignored him and continued eating.
The food was really good. Chicken soup was always my favorite. Haven't you noticed that every time we eat out, I always order chicken soup?
"I'm done," I announced, then wiped my mouth.
Min Yun finished his meal too.
"I want to eat a dessert," I said, craving something sweet. I remembered the royal chef again. His yogurt made me crave dessert. I'm a fan of eating yogurt—it was my stress-reliever food in my world. Too bad I couldn't ask for one. I doubt the chef would give it to me. But I can taste one during the event since he'll be serving that to us.
"You look weird," Min Yun said.
I didn't even realize that I was already wiping my lips with my tongue. "Sorry," I said, scratching my head.
"Let's have it at the courtesans' place."
My smile faded when I heard what he said. "Wait, what?"
"What?" he imitated me.
"We're going to the courtesans' place?"
"Yes, and why?"
"You know what a courtesan means..."
I knew it too, that's why I was a bit shocked when he said we'd be going there.
"We'll be getting the performers there."
I didn't respond. Yeah, right—courtesans are great performers too. They're talented, beautiful, and intelligent. That's why their price goes high—ordinary people couldn't afford them.
"I heard they serve delicious desserts."
"How did you know about that place?" I asked while we were walking.
He chuckled. "Don't think negatively about me. I've never tried buying a courtesan."
"I'm not even saying anything."
"Yeah, but your malicious eyes say it all."
I frowned.
"Stop frowning if you don't want to be ugly."
"So, I look ugly every time I frown?"
"I don't know."
I stopped and pulled his clothes to show him my frowning face.
"Do I still look ugly?" I asked him while still frowning.
He laughed hard at what I was doing.
"Yeah, my face made you laugh so hard. A while ago, you were so serious—and now? Yeah, thank you," I said sarcastically.
"I take back what I said a while ago. Even if you frown, you're still beautiful."
I looked into his eyes to assess if he was telling the truth. The sparkle in his eyes said it all.
"You win," I said, then walked away from him. But when I was about to put some distance between us, he grabbed my hand, which caused me to lose balance. But Min Yun was quick to catch me. I looked at him. Our faces were just inches apart. He was holding my waist while his other hand held my nape. This was the perfect position for a kissing scene.
I shook my head mentally. What was I thinking? This is not the time to flirt—especially with Min Yun! What would he think—that I wasn't in my right mind, flirting with him? After all, we were together to work and prepare for next week's event.
"I'm sorry," I uttered. I tried to stand up, but he was still holding my waist.
"I can stand... You can let me go," I said.
I heard him sigh before he let me go.
I pretended to fix my clothes to avoid eye contact.
I stopped fixing my clothes when he grabbed my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine. I remembered what the king did to me. It looked like I was a ham in a sandwich. If people saw me, they'd say I was a two-timer. Why was the king and Min Yun making me confused? Why were they doing this to me?
"Let's walk like this," he said.
I didn't react and let it be. Now I was starting to get confused—about myself, about my true feelings. I didn't want to be like this forever. I didn't want to ruin their friendship just because of their feelings for me. Why is it so hard to reject them? Why do I feel scared to hurt them? I know that in no time, this has to come to an end.
With so many thoughts, I didn't even realize that we had already arrived at the courtesans' place.
Min Yun and I entered the house. I looked around. The surroundings were full of lights and flower decorations. The place felt like an invitation to all.
"Hi, good evening," the woman greeted us. I examined her physical appearance. She was wearing a cute floral hanbok with a matching silver hairclip in her hair. Her makeup was lighter compared to the other women I saw outside the place.
"I made a reservation," Min Yun said.
"Are you Captain Min Yun?" Her eyes sparkled with delight. I looked at Min Yun, who remained emotionless.
"Our master is waiting for you," she said, and this time she looked at me. "Oh, you are with someone," she said, then noticed our hands.
"Are you two...?"
She was about to ask something, but Min Yun interrupted her.
"We'll go now. Thanks," he said, then left.
We went upstairs as the young lady instructed.
"You were being harsh to her," I said while walking up.
"How can you say I was harsh to her?" he asked while looking for the room.
"You should have at least smiled at her. She accommodated us."
"If I did, that would mean I wanted to flirt with her," he said, then stopped at a certain room. "I think this is the room."
He opened it, and the first thing I saw was the food and drinks on the table. But no one was around.
"Let's sit," Min Yun said, and finally, he let go of my hand.
I secretly massaged it—Min Yun didn't even notice that sometimes he held my hand so tightly it caused redness.
As I sat on the floor, I smelled the aromatic desserts that were also served on the table.
"Min Yun, there's dessert!" I exclaimed.
"Do not touch anything yet. We're still waiting for someone."
I was about to pick up the sweet flower biscuit, but he stopped me.
"You said we'd be eating dessert here."
"Yeah, we will."
I was about to speak again when someone entered the room.
"Wow." I was mesmerized, and my mouth dropped open when I saw the beautiful lady standing at the door. She looked like a goddess with no imperfections. Her skin was white, her black hair complemented her skin tone, and her red cheeks, red lips, and thick eyebrows, as well as her fitted hanbok, which showcased her large breasts and curvy body—she looked perfect to me. Anyone who saw her would surely fall in love.
I looked at Min Yun. I knew he was mesmerized too, but I couldn't see any sparkle in his eyes.
"You're here," the beautiful lady said. Even her voice was perfect.
"Close your mouth, I-jun," Min Yun said, noticing my open mouth.
The beautiful lady smiled. She looked even more beautiful when she smiled. I was starting to like her. I think I was falling in love with her beauty.
"Am I that beautiful?"
"Yes..." I was still looking at her like I was dreaming.
She laughed at my gesture. "You're beautiful too."
"But not the same as you," I said, still staring at her.
Min Yun interrupted by clearing his throat.
"Stop it now, Su Hei," Min Yun said.
"Su Hei?" I repeated.
"Yes. Park Su Hei," she said, then smiled.
"You're a Park?"
"Yeah, Min Yun is my cousin."